It is now two years since the good people of Onicha East Constituency in Ebonyi State mandated me, Hon. Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba, to represent them at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
Their expectations were loud and clear — to ensure that they were ably represented and to ultimately benefit from purposeful and responsive leadership.
I accepted the challenge, though immense, with determination to make my mark and leave legacies that others can build upon.
Sectorally, these are my footprints:
HEALTH
Understanding that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, I treated health issues in my constituency with utmost priority—just as important as feeding.
Settled hospital bills for 21 constituents undergoing surgeries and critical medical procedures at FMC and Presbyterian Hospital, Ukawu.
Enrolled 100 constituents into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee access to quality healthcare.
Donated a fully-equipped ambulance under the BERWO Foundation to serve Onicha East Constituency.
EDUCATION
Facilitated 4 scholarships for constituents in Master’s and PhD programmes.
Paid WAEC registration fees for 32 indigent students.
Attracted private sponsorship to remodel and fully equip Amankwo Primary School, Oshiri.
Donated ₦1 million educational grant for the children of a late journalist.
Funded PTA teachers’ allowances at CSS Abaomege and lobbied for deployment of more qualified teachers.
Awarded university scholarships to outstanding students from the constituency.
EMPOWERMENT & EMPLOYMENT
Facilitated the recruitment of three (3) constituents into the Nigerian Army.
Lobbied for 10 slots in the Ebonyi State Civil Service recruitment.
Employed 11 youths for administrative and personnel roles.
Supported applications for Police, Army, and the 76th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Distributed 200 empowerment forms.
Provided business support funds to market women and artisans.
Gave out ₦100,000 grants to women across communities in the constituency.
Empowered 11 youths in different communities.
Donated sewing machines to skilled constituents.
Gave out various forms of cash and grants to individuals.
Donated skill acquisition materials to Miss Chineche Peter in Ukawu.
Supplied tricycles, grinding machines, hair dryers, and additional sewing machines to boost self-reliance.
Commenced construction of bungalows for two widows in Oshiri and Ukawu.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Graded a 7km road to enhance free movement and economic activity across communities.
Installed solar-powered streetlights at key locations to improve security and visibility at night.
Attracted the renovation and equipping of a healthcare facility.
Sunk a borehole at Amankwo Primary School to provide clean water.
AGRICULTURE & SPORTS
Distributed fertilizer to local farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
Sponsored community football competitions to promote youth engagement and unity.
Consistently supported government policies and programmes.
Shared seasonal palliatives and Christmas largesse to ease the burden on constituents during tough seasons.
SECURITY
Played a key role in reconciling the Abaomege and Ishinkwo communities, ensuring a peaceful resolution of long-standing clashes.
Facilitated the establishment of a new military base in Oshiri.
Instituted regular stakeholders’ meetings and local peace initiatives to maintain harmony and prevent conflicts.
CONCLUSION
Among the most significant achievements of Hon. Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba was the peaceful resolution of the Abaomege-Ishinkwo crisis, a long-standing conflict that had hindered development in the area. Through the Ebonyi State House of Assembly’s intervention, and with my active role, the people of both communities now live in peace and mutual respect.
On the floor of the House, I have remained active and vibrant, contributing meaningfully to bills and motions that address the social and economic realities of our people.